Michael Lazaro
5599 Canalino Drive
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Telephone: (805) 403-7631
Email: mlaz1231@aol.com
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Career Objective
With 25 years experience in event management, logistical direction and streamlining back of house operations for some of
the countries largest convention centers, I have proven systems for creating efficient operations in a variety of dynamic
event settings. Coupled with my extensive involvement in Santa Barbara County, California festivals and public events, I
can create a positive financial and operational impact in both non and for-profit sector companies.
Professional Qualifications
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Continually demonstrates a keen eye for back of house logistical operations, in a wide variety of dynamic
food service environments
Highly successful in reducing labor and food and beverage costs through intensive training of back of house
staff in event logistics, time management and inventory control.
Consistently successful in staging large-scale events, tradeshows, and outdoor festivals for major clients,
national convention authorities, event promoters and food service management companies.
Maintains excellent relationships with high profile clients including: Delaware North Companies, Levy’s
Restaurants, M.G.R. Services, Aramark and Centerplate.
Fully skilled in creating and adhering to operational budgets.
Fully capable of planning, coordinating and directing all aspects of back of house operations for banquets and
conventions for up to 100,000 attendees.
Currently retained by industry giants to consult, direct and oversee specific annual conventions and banquets
for clients that include McDonald’s, Sapphire, Computer Associates, NFL and P.G.A.
Created a color coding system for back of house operations, now utilized by many food service companies
nationwide.
Highly respected for outstanding involvement in community services and local charities.
Employment History
World’s Safest Beach Productions, Carpinteria, CA
1995 - present
Founder, Owner and CEO
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Local California company specializing in logistical planning, direction and execution of banquets, conventions,
festivals, street fares and fundraising events in both the profit and non-profit sectors.
Provide consulting services for small businesses and large corporations in both profit and non-profit sectors
seeking to create a positive impact on both the physical and financial outcome of their events.
Delaware North Companies, Well Bread Restaurant Services
2006 - present
Logistical Consultant, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, NV
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Analyzed and revamped operational logistics of this newly acquired facility.
Refined and trained utility and bar back positions, which resulted in lower labor cost and greatly improved
efficiency.
Assisted in creating a beverage manager position to aid in beverage ordering and inventory, and execution of all
bar and beverage operations during conventions and banquets.
Directs back of house operations for all larger events, including: Safari Club International, National League if
Cities, Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation, HPBA, International Erosion Control and American Legion events.
Levy Restaurants
1998 – Present
Food and Beverage/Special Events Consultant, America’s Center Dome, St. Louis, MO
 Consult given on Partylite’s national meeting held annually with an attendance in excess of 12,000 people.
Special Events Consultant, Food & Beverage Director, McCormick Place III, Chicago, IL
 Retained to give logistical direction on larger annual tradeshows and conventions including: The International
Home and Housewares Show, Chicago Auto Show, Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, International Plastics
Showcase, International Manufacturing Technology Show and Radiological Society of North America.
Special Events Consultant, Food & Beverage Director, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
 Retained to give logistical direction on tradeshows and conventions for important returning clientele including
Microsoft, Sapphire, Computer Associates, McDonald’s, Comdex and P.G.A.
M.G.R. Services
2000 - Present
Food & Beverage Consultant, Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
 Provide consult for NFL Superbowl Alumni Dinner, Pre-game festivities and a tail-gate party for upwards of
10,000 attendees.
Centerplate
2000 - Present
Food & Beverage Consultant, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
 Distribution and logistical direction given for Microsoft Users Convention in 2004.
 More than 270,000 meals to more than 90,000 guests over a three-day period. So many meals were produced that
a completely separate temporary kitchen was built at the convention site.
City of Santa Barbara, CA
2000 - Present
Event Operations Support, Annual Old Spanish Days Festival
 Organizes and manages support of all vendors operations including logistics and set-up, electrical, sanitation and
security needs for over 40 vendors over the 4-day event.
 Over 100,000 people attend this annual event collectively raising half a million dollars in funding for community
social services and local youth programs.
Event Operations Support, Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration
 Began giving logistical and operational direction and support for this single-day arts event and Parade in 1995
and is now the largest of it’s kind in Santa Barbara County.
 This event draws in crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world.
City of Carpinteria / Chamber of Commerce, Carpinteria, CA
1998 - Present
Director of Membership Marketing 2001 – 2004
 Directed marketing campaigns to increase chamber membership.
Rods and Roses Car and Flower Show 1998 - Present
 Co-Founder, Director of Operations and Executive Board Member
 This two-day event showcases classic American cars, a spectacular flower show, food and commercial vendors
and entertainment attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
California Avocado Growers Association, Carpinteria, CA
1998 – Present
Past President, Executive Board Member, Director of Operations and Entertainment
 Schedule entertainment for three stages with over 40 acts
 Negotiate sub-contractor agreements for participating 30 food booths and over 30 commercial vendors and 70 arts
and crafts vendors
 Analyzes annual budgets
 Coordinate and direct event flow
 Liaison between Festival Producers and Carpinteria Public Works and Sheriff’s Office
Education, Certifications and Licenses
University of New Hampshire, Culinary and Business Management
Durham, New Hampshire
Professional Associations
Carpinteria, CA Chamber of Commerce, Past Director of Membership Marketing
California Avocado Festival, Past President and Executive Board Member
Annual Labor Day Festival, Co-founder and Executive Board Member
TRAP Foundation, President, Executive Board of Directors
Awards and Accolades
President’s Award of Excellence, California Avocado Festival, 2005
Volunteer of the Year, Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, 2002
Distinguished Service Award, Carpinteria Rotary Club, 2001
Mentor Match Award, Carpinteria Unified School District, 1997-2000
Carpinterian of the Year Award, Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, 1996
Joan Thompson Award, Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club, 1995